Let's Be Still

"Be still and know that I am God."

(Psalm 46:10)

Be still. 

It's mentioned over and over in the bible. 

And it's such a simple command. 

Or so it seems.

In our day and age, to be still is anything but simple. There are meetings to attend, deadlines to meet, dinner to put on the table, errands to run... The list goes on and on. So much of us is demanded at all times - from ourselves and from other people. I can distinctly remember certain points in my life - certain days, weeks, months and even years - where life was so overwhelming. In fact, I went through this just recently. But it wasn't the first time I have felt it. Where I have felt like I was literally going to crack if one more minute or one more thing was asked of me. We've all been there.

So why would God command something of us so simple sounding, yet extremely tough?

Because of one simple fact. Being still means nothing more than allowing God to be God. 

The seasons of life where I have felt overwhelmed with life are the seasons that, in hindsight, I realize I have tried to play God. I tried to manage every detail of my career, my family and my friendships. 

And guess what? It didn't work. And I'm willing to bet it hasn't worked you either.

When we pause in mist of the hustle and bustle of life and "know that {He} is God," we provide Him the opportunity to come into our minds and hearts. If our minds are too preoccupied and worried about the next deadline or wondering what is for dinner, we don't focus on Him and allow Him to be who He is. 

You know what the great thing about all this is? 

He plays God way better than anybody else in this world can. So let's let Him do it.

Sunday is Coming...

Okay, so I know it's a few days late... but I went to a Good Friday service last week and this video was played. I absolutely loved it's powerful message and it hit home for me.

I thought I'd share it with you all.

 Sunday is coming...

 

Saturday from Highpoint Church on Vimeo.

The Creepster Has Risen!

**So I actually wrote this last year on Easter, but since I lost that blog, I thought I'd repost to the new blog site. Besides, it was one of my more popular posts accounting to Google along with my Good Friday post. :-) ** 

Wow….today marks the most important day in all of history. And I swear I’m not joking around this time. It really does. 

THE most important day ever. 

As in ever EVER. 

The greatest event in human history of all time. One that has impacted every corner of our Earth.

Today represents the day that roughly 2000 years ago, Jesus of Nazareth rose from the dead. (Creepy, I know.) I’m overwhelmed at the thought of it. I mean, really….someone coming back from the dead??? Literally. Dead. As a doornail. Then alive. Walking and talking like you & I. And it’s not just a myth or folktale. Thousands of people saw him. It’s been documented. It's probably the best and most accurately documented event in history. There's manuscript evidence, archaeological evidence, eyewitness accounts, corroborating accounts, literary consistency and changed lives to prove it happened.... plus some other types of consistencies and expert scrutiny.

Craziness. 

(But that’s old news… if people do any true and hard research they'll know that. And I’ve already covered how crazy and creepy He is before.)

He basically rocks my face off (and will yours too if you let Him)…and not only because He didn’t come back all goblin & ghoul style from the dead, but He came back to give us the opportunity to have everlasting life…..WITH Him. Pretty damn cool if you ask me. Cool in the most un-creepy, but still creepy type of way possible. 

I pray that we all focus on Him today and all days to come. We can’t just think about him during our hour long church service today (or just during Christmas). He’s more involved with our lives than we can even imagine. So let his creepin’ butt in your life and start to recognize Him all around you. I know I’d rather have Him creepin’ on me than anybody else….what about you?

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”– John 3:16 

“He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.’ Now I have told you. So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples. Suddenly Jesus met them. “Greetings,” he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him. Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.” — Matthew 28:6-10

I can’t wait to see this face in person someday. It gives me chills thinking about it! I pray you feel the same. It’s going to be awesome! Hope to see you there! 

The Greatest Author of All Time

**So I actually wrote this in 2011, on Good Friday, but since I lost that blog site, I thought I'd repost to the new blog. Besides, it was one of my more popular posts according to Google. :-) ** 

Today is “Good Friday.”

For most people, that means an amazingly lazy day off of work.

(Okay – that’s exactly what it means to me too! #Guilty… And yes, I still use hashtags in my blogs. #GetOverIt)

Today though, is more importantly the 2000-ish anniversary of the day my home-boy, Jesus, was crucified.

Now, hang on… whether you’re a believer that Jesus was Christ or not… this event DID happen. Jesus was a person who lived approximately a gazillion years ago, and he was crucified. There is an overwhelming amount of evidence that proves this event happened. But that's not the point of this post. 

Non-believers, your issue with the J-Man is not relevant until Sunday… it's only Friday right now. So keep reading…

Have you ever read any details on what happened a gazillion years ago today? If not – here you go. It’s actually a really great story… especially if you’re a dude and into power struggles, blood, guts and gore. (And ladies – don’t tell the guys, but there’s a love story mixed in there as well… shhhh!) Maybe just try to think of a way more old-timey version of Gladiator…

Anyway – I digress.

So here is a very short and sweet synopsis:

• Jesus is found guilty by the Roman governor back in the day. (Guilt of nothing, really… but the story line wouldn’t have a cool ending if He hadn’t been convicted, right? The Screen Writer of this story definitely knew what He was doing in order to make the climax really hit home. NOBODY saw the ending coming. Except maybe a prophet or two, but whatever… you get my point.)

• A true criminal named Barabbas is released in His place. (Way to go, Governor… Way. To. Go.)

• Jesus is mocked, beaten, ridiculed, and tortured. (See? Great dramatics right there…)

• He is hung on a cross to die, with nails punctured through His hands and feet – while still awake and fully aware of the pain. (They didn’t have the humane methods of the death sentence back then that apparently we do today. Though Jesus did get a Last Supper of bread and wine, which is cool. #WineRocks #SoDoesBread #HopefullyHeHadSomeButterOrJamToo)

Alright, so that's the short and sweet version. 

So about today. Good Friday.

What confused me for the longest time was why it was call “GOOD Friday.” I don’t see anything “good” about our much loved protagonist being mocked and beaten. I also personally don’t know how He was able to take it. I’m not really the stand-back-and-let-people-belittle-and-hurt-me type. (Maybe that's why I'm not king.)

People on the side of the road even poked fun at him regarding His claim to rebuild the Temple in three days. (This, ladies and gentlemen, is what you learned in 9th grade English class. A little thing called “foreshadowing.” Take note.)

You know what I would have done to those jokers if I had been King??? 

Rocked their little Roman, helmet-and-toga-clad world, that’s what…
Maybe I would have pulled a bazooka out of my terry cloth and wasted them right then and there.

Wait – bazookas weren’t invented yet, you say? Well, that’s the cool part of being the Son of God. I could have magician-ed a massive bazooka into my hands right out of thin air.

Or maybe I would have used more era-appropriate measures such as a swarm of King Cobras or wild dogs to take them out at the knees and ankles.

Or...

Maybe I would have let all of what actually happened, happen…

Just like Jesus...

No, never mind.

I most assuredly would NOT have done it His way. We all know I’m not smart or creative enough to write the ending that did happen; where three days later, the Writer had Jesus rise from his tomb.

And now, all of mankind has the chance to live happily-ever-after…. for eternity.
(The “ever-after” part there is quite literal.)  

God created and played out in real life this story. And he did it for His enemies.

He did it for you. 

He did it for me. 

What kind of crazy, out-of-this-world love is that? 

I wouldn't have done it. Never. I would not have sacrificed my own child for anyone, not even someone I loved deeply. Let alone my enemies.

But that's a pretty sweet ending for us, huh?

So yes – I do finally understand why today is called “GOOD Friday.”

Psst! In case you’re still wondering… For lack of a better, theological type of answer, it’s because today is the day that Christ purchased us with his blood that lead to His resurrection. It’s a holy day. A very good day, indeed.

Boom. In your face, Roman soldiers!

Make sure to check in with the sequel on Sunday. That’s when the really good stuff happens!

Asante Sana! Squash Banana!

Well, it is time.... I am officially boarding an airplane tomorrow and headed to the land of Simba, Timon, and Pumba. Which kind of makes me want to eat a grub.... Just kidding. Though, I think I'd much rather eat a grub than a wild pig or something from there... Which reminds me of a little ditty you may recognize... Feel free to sing along...

Timon: [singing] Luau! / If you're hungry for a hunk of fat and juicy meat / Eat my buddy Pumbaa here, / 'Cause he is a treat / Come on down and dine / On this tasty swine/ All you hafta do is get in line. / Arrrre you achin'...  

Pumbaa: Yup, yup, yup.

Timon: Forrrr some bacon?

Pumbaa: Yup, yup, yup.

Timon: He's a big pig.

Pumbaa: Yup, yup.

Timon: You can be a big pig, too. Oy!

My apologies, I digress... My sister has already requested I bring home a Duma in a size small. (I've been brushing up on my Swahili and "Duma" is the souvenir item as depicted in the photo of the text message below.) And she's not the only one. I am under some pretty massive peer pressure to fit not one, not two, not three... but four baby man-eating cheetahs into my carry on. Let's hope Customs isn't too particular on the types of souvenirs brought home from foreign countries.

Okay... in all seriousness, I am so, so, so, soooooooooo freaking humbled by the selfless giving and generosity of the people who helped me to go on this trip. When people couldn't give their money, they donated their time by working events for me for free! And let's be real, who does anything for FREE anymore?? Well... MY friends and family, that's who! I have successfully raised the entire amount needed, PLUS some! I am still getting checks in the mail, which will help towards supplies for the people over there. The experience of fundraising for this trip has truly shown me what amazing and selfless people there are out there. And I am soooooo blessed to call them my own friends and family. Words can't explain the feelings of gratitude and humbleness that I felt every time somebody sent a check, purchased an item in my name, or gave their precious time towards this mission I am going on. I was brought to tears and my knees many times over it. (Take note... I'll never admit again that tears were shed.) When I first decided to embark on this journey, my biggest worry was raising the money, as it was quite a bit needed! Well, that turned out to be the easy part. (I was not-so-politely reminded a few times by God that it was HIS money anyway... So I was worrying for nothing. Matthew 6:33-34, Matthew 21:22) As tomorrow approaches, my biggest fears are starting to truly emerge. I think I've been hiding what really is irking me about going on this trip... More than the money or the possible safety and health issues... But I want to do something while I'm there. I mean, really DO something. I want to not just be another "body" that goes and puts in some time. I want to be the hands and feet of Jesus. I want to make a difference in somebody's life. Like a true difference, where they'll never be the same because I was a part of this.

To refer back to The Lion King (which, lets be real, is sadly the only schematic file I have in place for this part of the world I'm going to), I want to be "needed," like Simba was needed when Scar completely threw up his evil-uncle-awfulness all over Pride Rock. I want to battle Scar among animated flames and hyenas, if you will... Okay, you catch my poorly illustrated drift. I want to make a difference somehow. So we'll see... Thank you in advance for your prayers.... As they have ALREADY guaranteed my safe trip there and back! (Mark 11:23-24)

 Asante, Friends! Hakuna Matata. :-)

A No Good, Very Bad Day

(I wrote this post yesterday but didn't post it and really hadn't planned on it at all. Though I decided to just go ahead and post today anyway. I'm physically feeling better today than yesterday... But yeah... Here it is.)

Well, where to begin? It's always hard to know what to say exactly in this type of situation. I don't even know if I'll end up clicking "publish" on this blog post because quite frankly - nobody needs to know, but hell... I'll write it anyway... whatever.

So today I had my second "female" doctor's appointment within a month. After this appointment I had expected to leave and finally happily announce to the world that Bryant and I would be expecting our second child. Instead, we walked away with the news that our baby's heart was no longer beating and he or she had died most likely about two weeks ago.

Yeah, I know. Talk about a shitty blog post topic.

This is definitely not the post I was wanting to write today, or had been EXPECTING to write. We found out the day after Cinco de Mayo that we were expecting (that would be May 6th for all you non-Mexicans out there. You are welcome for that clarification. I did live in New Mexico for 10 years, so I know a thing or two about Spanglish, margaritas, & empanadas...), and we have had the worst time keeping it a secret for the past month and a half since we were so excited! Luckily, God knew it would be best for us to NOT tell anyone yet (besides family & a few close friends) because He knew it would only be that much harder later on.

While I am extremely sad, and really unsure of what to think, feel or do right now (except cry my eyes out), I am so thankful that our baby is in better Hands now than he or she ever would have been with us. God decided to take our baby for a very good reason.... even if I don't know what that is. I'll find out someday, so it's okay. The whole situation is really sad, but I know with all my heart that God only works for GOOD! It says so in Romans 8:28... And that is what brings me the most comfort. This may sound corny, but I am absolutely stoked to go to Heaven someday to meet him or her. I have no doubt in my mind (especially after reading "Heaven is For Real") that he or she is there waiting for Bryant, McKenna, and I to show up! And yes - I absolutely believe that 5 year old little boy's story about visiting Heaven. Just because he still believed in Santa doesn't mean he didn't sit in Jesus's lap and meet his own unborn sister. :-)

I know miscarriages are pretty common (something like 1 in 5 women have one, I think?), but that doesn't seem to be making it any easier. I can't help wondering if it's easier for us now than it would have been 10 weeks, 10 months, or 10 years down the road? I'd like to hope so, but either way - it's never easy to lose a child... (Romans 8:28, Romans 8:28, Romans 8:28...)

So now what, you ask? I get to sit back, relax, and wait for this miscarriage to happen over the next 24 hours. Ugh. Talk about a blasty blast.

So there you have it. Today officially sucked. And so will tomorrow, I'm sure. But besides all the wasted mascara, I'm alright. We're alright... Or at least will be. :-) I have faith.

Matthew 18:14 - "So it is not the will of my Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish."
Romans 8:18 - "For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us."
Psalm 34:18-19 - "The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all."
Romans 9:11 - "Though they were not yet born and had done nothing either good or bad—in order that God's purpose of election might continue, not because of works but because of him who calls—"
Jeremiah 29:11 - "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
Romans 8:28 - "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, whot have been called according to his purpose."

Thank you in advance for your thoughts, prayers, & patience as I blubbered through this post. Luckily, for all of us, you can't hear or see the tears, mascara, & and ugly cry faces I've made while typing this.

Oh yeah, and a word to the wise... if you are an expecting mother, never, EVER, EVER google the word "miscarriage" and then click "images." A very bad idea for the emotionally unstable.